Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve is probably New Zealand’s best known marine reserve. It is often called Goat Island (or Leigh) Marine Reserve. Although it covers just 5 km of coastline, it is visited by about 300,000 people a year. It is also the oldest marine reserve in the country, established in 1975 by scientists at the nearby Leigh Marine Laboratory.

The reserve is easily accessible for families. It’s a great place for rock-pooling and snorkelling, and is close to two popular coastal walkways.

Visitors are welcome to picnic, swim and generally enjoy a day at the beach, but please observe the usual marine reserve rules: don’t take anything away except your rubbish, and if you lift the rocks, please put them back.